Biodegradable tissue-carriers: A new frontier for anti-aging skincare and plastic reduction

As the global population aged 60+ is set to double to 2.4 billion by 2030, demand for effective anti-aging products has surged. Consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are seeking science-backed, sustainable solutions aligned with the “Beauty from Within” concept. However, traditional cosmeceuticals face two critical flaws: poor active ingredient penetration and massive plastic pollution from single-use packaging.

A new study led by Professor Pierfrancesco Morganti presents an integrated solution. The team developed advanced tissue-carriers from natural biopolymers—chitin nanofibrils and nanolignin (CN-NL)—using electrospinning technology. These carriers mimic the skin's own extracellular matrix, enabling superior delivery of key anti-aging compounds including nicotinamide, vitamin C, allantoin, and lutein.

The technology achieves over 90% encapsulation efficiency, protects unstable ingredients from oxidation, and provides 8–12 hours of controlled release. Unlike conventional emulsions, these tissue-vehicles are free of preservatives, emulsifiers, and fragrances, eliminating common skin irritants. Crucially, the fully biodegradable carriers directly replace plastic-based single-use products like sheet masks and sachets, offering a tangible path to reduce the cosmetics industry’s plastic footprint.

The work titled “Nanobiotechnology to Make Innovative Pro-Aging CosmeNutraceuticals”, was published on Skin (published on May. 29, 2026).